dollars and sense

Investing in a bathroom can pay off down the road. Here’s how to know when to save and when to splurge:

When it comes to budgeting for your bathroom reno, it’s easy to get carried away with high-end fixtures and luxe finishes. (Keep in mind that the price tag on a very basic bathroom makeover can ring in at $10,000, and it can go up exponentially from there.) But Williams maintains that investing in a bathroom, much like a kitchen, will pay off down the road when you eventually sell your home—not to mention the fact that it will improve your life in the meantime. “Try to jam as much of your dream bathroom as possible into your budget,” he says. “After all, it’s not something you’ll likely be able to do over every few years or so.”

save or splurge?

• Save Repurpose existing or antique fixtures and storage units for a shabby-chic look.
• Save Salvage shops, like the Habitat for Humanity Restores, are virtual treasure troves for DIYers. Stocked with new and gently used renovation supplies donated by homeowners and contractors, it’s not uncommon to score fixtures and cabinetry for a fraction of the cost of a big box store.
• Save Moving plumbing is a major expense. If you can avoid this, you’ll pay much less.
• Splurge Don’t skimp on the faucets. They make such an impact in the space, not to mention the fact that you handle them multiple times a day.
• Splurge It’s best to spring for a new tub or new tiles (or